Sunday, October 31, 2010

Happy Halloween!!

Here is a sneak peak of Delaney’s costume.

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She dressed up on Wednesday to go to our church’s Harvest Party. She played games, won a door prize and saw lots of friends.

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This cute little cupcake is Delaney’s friend from church. They are just 2 weeks apart in age.

Later tonight, she’ll be out begging for candy in our neighborhood. More pics to come…

Monday, October 25, 2010

move over mrs. duggar

Today after school, our friends’ kids came over to hang out until their parents got home from a weekend trip away. Their flight ended up being delayed and so the kids’ stay with us was extended by a few hours. And that left me with (count them) 8 kids! I know that’s only like a third of what the Duggars have. But still, it’s twice as many as I’m used to.

And even with 8 kids under my supervision, I managed to cook dinner (spaghetti, garlic bread and tossed salad), pick up a kid from the high school after dance practice, pick up a kid from the middle school after a Scholar’s Bowl meet, make sure 6 kids got bathed, practice spelling words (their teacher, me, requires that for extra credit) and help another kid edit and type a paper for English. Whew. Talk about a busy night. But I survived. And so did they.

The key is having older kids [who are willing] to help out with the younger ones. The twins entertained Delaney while I fixed dinner. And they even read her a bedtime story.

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So take that Michelle Duggar. I think I hear a reality show calling my name!

Sunday, October 24, 2010

flying the friendly skies

Saturday night was the night for the annual Moon Watch Party with Uncle Craig and Aunt Lou Lou. But before the sun went down, Craig took Bri out for a flight.

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Bri is quite the thrill-seeker, so this was right up her alley!

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Success!!

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After all the excitement up in the air, the girls were entertained with a bonfire, yummy snacks, and a look at the full moon.

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Thanks Craig and Lou Lou! You are creating wonderful memories for these girls!!

Saturday, October 23, 2010

two and a half

Delaney had her 2 1/2 year-old check up with the pediatrician on Friday. She was such a good girl. She was weighed and measured on the “big kid” scale for the first time. She weighs 27 lbs. and is 3 feet tall. I could tell she was a tad nervous when the doctor was listening to her heart. I’m sure she was wondering “Who is this strange man and what is he doing?” Fortunately, she doesn’t see him too often.

Delaney got a clean bill of health and two shots. No tears. No crying. Barely even a flinch. What a trooper! She was rewarded with a cherry limeade from Sonic. Yes, I give my 2 year old pop to drink. I don’t expect to win mother of the year anyway.

Later in the day, she was being silly and climbed into her brother’s wheelchair. She loves to sit in it and tell us to “poosh”. Ironically, she refuses to be “pooshed” in her stroller. Go figure!

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Friday, October 22, 2010

some recent projects

I have been a real blog slacker lately. But between sewing projects, parent-teacher conferences and doctor’s appointments, who has time to sit at the computer?

Today I have the day off. My reward for working two 12 hour days in a row. A much needed break! So I finally have a little time to post and share a few of my sewing projects from this month:

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We had a baby shower for two of my co-workers. Janae was born a few weeks ago. And Rue is expected next month.

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Nate has been in desperate need of new bibs to catch the drool. His nurse said it was like Christmas when she arrived after the weekend and found 3 new bibs. I’ll work on a few more this weekend.

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So even though you haven’t seen me on Blogger, I’ve been around.

Today I’m enjoying the fall morning, lounging in my pj’s. And ignoring my kids, just long enough to write this post.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

sprucing up

At first glance, this picture probably looks like it came from an episode of Hoarders. It didn’t. It’s Nate’s [not so able to walk in] walk-in closet.

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We have supplies delivered to the house a couple of times a month and when life gets busy, we end up tossing things into the closet, with the intent of putting it away later. I guess later was today.

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See? He does actually have some clothes in that closet. It was just nearly impossible to get to them. But after a couple of hours, we went from the above picture, to this:

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Every time Nate goes to the hospital, they give him one of these pillows. We’ve thrown some away, the girls have taken some, and we’ve left some at the hospital. I think we have plenty!!!

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I knew there was a floor in there. And I didn’t need a clean up crew to help me find it. I’m not a hoarder. Sometimes my house just looks like it.

Monday, October 11, 2010

saturday morning parade

Delaney had never been to a parade before Saturday. What a shame. What a terrible mom! But she made up for all the missed parades of the past with the loot of candy she managed to collect. She stood at the curb with her arms out, waiting for a handout.

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We were really there to see our favorite high school performers. But candy was just a great bonus!!

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And these are a few of my students…past and present. The ones in the blue shirts are my current kiddos.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

homecoming

Dear Athletic Director,

Would you please not schedule our homecoming game to be played against Buhler? We just can’t beat them. Not even 20 years ago when I was a student. Surely you can find some team that is of an equal caliber. I truly have faith in you that last night was the last night for a homecoming game against Buhler.

P.S. I honestly don’t care about the game. I really just go to socialize and watch the half-time entertainment (yes, 20 years later, that’s still the only reason I go to the game). So even though the football team was blown out, something like 7 –55, the marching band and dance team did not disappoint. And I’m sure I’m not even the tiniest bit biased.

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Monday, October 4, 2010

fall has arrived

Nothing welcomes fall like a windy day at the pumpkin patch. Windy and COLD!!! Sweatshirt and hoodie cold. But what a welcome change from the heat wave that took us through September!

We went to Walter’s Pumpkin Patch and had a blast. Despite the wind and cold. They have so many cool things to do…jumping pillow, underground slide, swings, wagon rides, corn maze.

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Once they got to the top, Jeremy realized he couldn’t get situated with Delaney on his lap and then get down the slide. So he called for reinforcement. Bri and Alli were both reluctant to participate. But I forced convinced Allison to go.

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Can you tell who loved it and who hated it?

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Bri was a slightly more willing participant.

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Every hour or so they shot a pumpkin out of the cannon.

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Can you see it?

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I so wish I had gotten a shot of the next few seconds after I snapped this picture. Somehow, they managed to flip the swing over backward and Jeremy landed on his rear. Delaney did a graceful flip and landed on her forehead. Luckily no one was hurt. But it was good for a laugh. Where is the video camera when you need it???

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Allison was able to stay on the swing the WHOLE time!

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Jumping pillow. Like a trampoline, flush with the ground, surrounded by sand for safety.

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We ended the day with a wagon ride out to the pumpkin patch.

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And now we have 7 pumpkins. All too beautiful and unique to carve. I guess I need to go to the grocery store to get some plain ol’ carving pumpkins!